There has been a number of studies done to show that animal roots can induce bone and cementum formation but only one that demonstrate that human roots could do so also. This writer of this present article is one of the unlucky investigators who could not get induction to occur; so he takes a look at his work and others to compare the differences to their work and the work of H. Lopez who was able to achieve induction.
The Key to Lopez's success might be in two variables: 1. the use of citric acid and 2. the technique of surface rather than complete decalcification.
This is surmised by a chart which allows for direct comparisons for the reader. The chart shows that all completely decalcified roots gave negative results. Thus, one could reason that human dentinal matrix contains an inductive factor. It is makded by the overlying apatite structure but, when uncovered, requires the presence of an adjacent layer of untreated dentin. Another interesting observation is that the removal or retention of the periodontal ligament made no difference.
Back: Cementum Articles Menu: Literature Review Topics Home: PIC Homepage